This paper presents preliminary findings from mixed methods research on Jamaicans’ experiences of working in the sex trade and in the formal and informal tourism economy. While sex worker research participants routinely face violence in the course of their work, the research found that they were not driven into sex work and are not prevented from exiting it by “human traffickers”, but rather by economic need and, in the case of male and trans sex workers, by anti-gay prejudice. Research participants view the criminalisation of sex work and of homosexuality as far more urgent and significant threats to their safety and well-being than human trafficking. Criminalisation and marginalisation were also pressing concerns for non-sex-worker interviewees. This paper critically interrogates the lines that are drawn between work, slavery, and freedom in dominant, Global North discourse.
This article presents the experiences of a Jamaican sex worker and the risks and violations that are endured day-to-day by Jamaican sex workers on the street. This includes risk of arrest, police harassment, and abuse and violence from clients and others.
Citation: Amnesty International (2016) “I feel scared all the time.” A Jamaican sex worker tells her story. Jamaica: Amnesty International.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE STATE’S RESPONSE TO THE TRAFFICKING OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN JAMAICA (2016)
This paper examines the Jamaican government’s response to human trafficking, with specific focus on the trafficking of women and young girls. Framed by the three pillars of prosecution, prevention, and protection, qualitative and quantitative data are used to evaluate initiatives that have been put in place by the government of Jamaica to prevent and combat trafficking in persons in the country.
Citation: Hill, T. (2016) ‘An Investigation into the State’s Response to the Trafficking of Women and Girls in Jamaica’, Caribbean Review of Gender Studies, 10, pp. 127-136.
BASELINE SURVEY: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE & PRACTICES REGARDING CHILD MALTREATMENT IN JAMAICA (2013)
The OCR, in collaboration with UNICEF, commissioned a baseline market study to ascertain the currently held views, opinions, knowledge levels, attitudes, practices and behaviour towards child abuse and reporting, including child trafficking. This study was completed in several different stages including a literature review, focus group discussions and a market survey involving face-to-face interviews with the target respondents. There were three study populations targeted for this research including children attending school, 10-17 years, workers in institutions including teachers, guidance counselors, social workers and health professionals; and the general adult (18+ years) Jamaican populace.
Citation: Office of the Children’s Registry (2013) Baseline Survey: Knowledge, Attitude & Practices Regarding Child Maltreatment in Jamaica. Jamaica: Office of Children’s Registry and UNICEF
STUDY OF FEMALE SEX WORKERS, CLIENT TYPES AND RISK BEHAVIOR IN THE SEX WORK INDUSTRY IN JAMAICA (2011)
Sex workers in Jamaica not only suffer from a high HIV prevalence rate, but an unfavourable environment. Despite having knowledge of preventive measures and access to free condoms by the National HIV/STI programme, preventive practices are not being applied consistently. Female sex workers typically face discrimination and lack access to affordable health care, which further exacerbates their marginalization. Exploitation at the hands of employers, clients, and drug and alcohol use also increase their vulnerability. The purpose of this study was to collect information to develop the brand, messages, and campaign for increasing condom access and availability to promote safer sex among female sex workers in Jamaica. Findings will guide and improve current and future behaviour change communication and interpersonal communication activities and interventions with female sex workers in Jamaica. This study was undertaken in the Kingston Metropolitan Area in 2011.
Citation: PSI (2011) Study of Female Sex Workers, Client Types and Risk Behavior in the Sex Work Industry in Jamaica. Jamaica: Population Services International.
Exploratory Assessment of Trafficking in Persons in the Caribbean Region (2010)
This is an exploratory assessment of trafficking in persons in the Caribbean (Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, St Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago), including level and scope of human trafficking and the characteristics and profiles of potential victims and human traffickers. The study is based on a literature review, desk legal review, and an exploratory field assessment by national researchers within each participating country. Media reviews, national surveys, and key informant interviews were used to develop country reports on the context of human trafficking in the participating Caribbean countries. This material was then compiled into this regional study.
Citation: IOM (2010) Exploratory Assessment of Trafficking in Persons in the Caribbean Region. Geneva: International Organization for Migration.
Photograph of Kingston, Jamaica by Amy Rofman, Warnath Group